Desktop & Laptop Motherboard Repair Guide
Part 1: Basic Power Components
1. COIL (Inductor)
- Function: Transfers power, acts as energy storage and noise filter in power circuits.
- Testing: Check continuity; low resistance is normal. Open = faulty.
2. MOSFET (QFN Type)
- Function: Controls voltage switching in power sections.
- Testing: Diode mode to check G-D, G-S, D-S junctions. Shorts = faulty.
3. DIODE
- Function: Allows current in one direction.
- Testing: Diode mode; forward bias ~0.5-0.7V, reverse = no beep.
4. CAPACITOR (Ceramic & Electrolytic)
- Function: Filters voltage, removes ripples.
- Testing: Analog meter jump-back or capacitance meter.
5. RESISTOR
- Function: Limits current or creates voltage drops.
- Testing: Use resistance mode and compare to value printed.
6. FUSE
- Function: Breaks connection in overcurrent situations.
- Testing: Should show 0 Ohm; open = replace.
Desktop & Laptop Motherboard Repair Guide
7. NTC/PTC
- Function: Thermal protection components.
- Testing: Resistance changes with temperature.
8. CRYSTAL OSCILLATOR
- Function: Frequency reference for clocking.
- Testing: Use oscilloscope or continuity if it's open.
Desktop & Laptop Motherboard Repair Guide
Part 2: Voltage Rails, VRMs, and Supply Sections
9. LDO IC
- Function: Low Dropout Regulator for 3.3V/1.8V.
- Testing: Check IN/OUT voltages.
10. Buck Converter / PWM Controller
- Function: Converts high to low voltage efficiently.
- Testing: VIN, VOUT, switching signal.
11. High Side & Low Side MOSFETs
- Function: Switches in VRM to drive coils.
- Testing: Check gate voltages and shorts.
12. CPU Core Voltage Section
- Function: Supplies Vcore to CPU.
- Testing: Vcore usually 0.8V-1.3V. Short = suspect VRM/CPU.
13. GPU Power Section
- Function: Powers integrated/dedicated GPU.
- Testing: 0.9V-1.2V typical. Check for heat/shorts.
14. RAM Power Section
- Function: Supplies 1.5V/1.35V/1.2V to RAM.
- Testing: Check coil near RAM slot.
Desktop & Laptop Motherboard Repair Guide
15. PCH/Southbridge Section
- Function: Supplies 1.05V/1.8V to chipset.
- Testing: Short in PCH rail = dead chipset.
16. BIOS Power
- Function: Supplies 3.3V to BIOS chip.
- Testing: Pin 8 = 3.3V. Short = BIOS power issue.
17. +3V / +5V Always Rails
- Function: Always ON, even when laptop off.
- Testing: Must be present if adapter plugged in.
18. Clock Generator (CLK GEN)
- Function: Generates timing signals for CPU, RAM.
- Testing: Check 25MHz or required frequency.
19. RAM Slot
- Function: Supplies and communicates with RAM.
- Testing: 1.5V or 1.2V on VDD, continuity on data lines.
20. CPU Socket
- Function: Physical mount for CPU and contact pins.
- Testing: Check Vcore, VTT, and clock signals.
Desktop & Laptop Motherboard Repair Guide
Part 3: Power Control & Charging
21. RTC Battery & Section
- Function: Maintains time & BIOS settings.
- Testing: Battery = 3V, crystal = 32.768kHz (oscilloscope).
22. BIOS Chip
- Function: Holds firmware.
- Testing: VCC = 3.3V, activity on CS, CLK, DO, DI.
23. EC / Super I/O
- Function: Manages keyboard, fan, charging.
- Testing: VCC = 3.3V, check EC_ON, PWRBTN# signals.
24. Charging Circuit
- Function: Controls battery charge.
- Testing: 19V input, battery output = 12.6V/14.8V.
25. Fan Circuit
- Function: Controls CPU/GPU cooling.
- Testing: 5V/12V VCC, PWM and TACH signal activity.
26. Audio Section
- Function: Handles sound output.
- Testing: 3.3V/5V power to audio IC, check mute control.
Desktop & Laptop Motherboard Repair Guide
27. HDMI/VGA Output
- Function: Sends display signal to monitor.
- Testing: VCC = 3.3V/5V, check for signal output.
Desktop & Laptop Motherboard Repair Guide
Part 4: Troubleshooting & Shorts
28. Power-On Problems
- No Power: Check Adapter, MOSFETs, +3V/5V rails.
- Display Issue: BIOS, RAM, EC, or CPU suspect.
29. Common Shorts
- +19V: 0 Ohm = danger
- +3.3V/+5V: Should be 100-300 Ohm normally.
30. Diagnosing Shorts
- Resistance Check, Coil Isolation, Voltage Injection, Alcohol Drop.
31. Power Sequence
- ACDET > VIN > +3V ALW > EC_ON > SLP_S3# > Vcore
32. BIOS Flashing
- Use CH341A or RT809H. Flash correct BIN file.
33. No Power Steps
- Adapter > Jack > Fuse > MOSFET > +3/5V > EC > BIOS
34. Basic Tools
- Multimeter, DC Supply, Rework Station, Programmer, Thermal Cam.
